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Prepare to celebrate all things folk as the newly established Folk Album of The Year Award launches in recognition of the UK and Ireland’s most artistically acclaimed folk albums.

In collaboration with Sound Roots charity and the Folk on Foot Podcast, a host of specially selected judges, including BBC Radio 2 folk legend Kelie While, will shortlist 8 of the best folk albums of 2025, with the winner announced alongside live performances from nominees at Rochdale Town Hall in March 2026.

“This is about supporting artists and championing the creativity at the heart of this vibrant scene.”

Submissions are open now and close at 23:59 on Sunday the 31st of October 2025.

Apply now via the link below:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/EnglishFolkExpo/FolkAlbumOfTheYear2025ApplicationForm

In an op-ed for Music Business Worldwide, Chair of the Association of Independent Music Ruth Barlow calls on the CMA to review the threat UMG’s recent wave of acquisitions poses to independents as well as the wider music ecosystem.

Amidst growing pressure on the EU from national regulators for an anti-trust investigation into the sale of Downtown Music, Ruth looks at how UMG is approaching a dangerous level of control over the digital supply chain.

Find out "why regulators must act before it’s too late" here: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ruth-barlow-of-aim-and-beggars-group-on-umg-downtown-and-why-regulators-must-act-before-its-too-late/